Karl Strauss hosts Changing of the Barrels

February marks the 23rd anniversary of Karl Strauss Brewing Co., and they’re celebrating the only appropriate way — with plenty of limited edition local craft beer.

On Thursday, Feb. 2nd, Karl Strauss will hold the second annual “Changing of the Barrels” event inside of the main brewery in Pacific Beach. The changing that occurs is a tasting of the exclusive 23rd Anniversary Old Ale that has been processing for 12 months, and the replacing with next year’s 24th Anniversary Flanders Red Ale.

The event will be limited to 100 ticket holders who will be the first to try the 23rd Anniversary Old Ale. Aside from enjoying the special brews on tap, guests will also have the chance to dig into food from MIHO Gastrotruck, groove along to live music from Blackout Party, and interact with the Karl Strauss brew crew.

What’s so special about this brand-new brew? This 23rd Anniversary Old Ale was aged for 12 months in American oak barrels. It’s also the first Karl Strauss barrel-aged beer to be offered unblended. The brew stands apart as it’s loaded with complex layers of toffee, molasses, dried figs, and toasted oak. Tasters will inhale a hint of the warming bourbon flavor, making this a mighty strong ale with 12.2% alcohol content.